Heidi Osterloh, age 86, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, on March 3 in Tega Cay, South Carolina.
Born in Aurich, Germany, Heidi immigrated to the United States in 1955 on the SS America and lived in NYC. There she worked for several prestigious firms including Mannesmann and IBM and met and married her husband of 64 years, George Osterloh.
A lifelong learner and avid reader, Heidi turned her passion into her profession when she and George moved to St. Louis in 1980. There, she worked for Maryville University and as a literacy volunteer for the Parkway Schools. Heidi loved working alongside teachers, talking with students and helping children learn to read, write and engage in conversation.
Heidi became an American citizen in 1969 and honored her European heritage with holiday celebrations and traditional dishes, like kale and pinkelwurst, from her native Germany. Friends and neighbors loved to chat with Heidi about her experiences while enjoying coffee and kuchen–both aways plentiful at the Osterloh house.
Heidi is survived by her daughters, Susan Osterloh of Cambridge, MA, Dr. Allison Nichols (Cliff) of Tega Cay, SC, and grandchildren, Alexandra Nichols and Drew Nichols of Tega Cay, SC. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband George in 2024.
Heidi loved roses, lilacs, lilies and all things in the garden and green, but in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).
Services will be private.
